New report reveals content of syringes used by Shannonside drug users

A new report claims syringes used by drug users in the Shannonside region contained synthetic stimulants as well as narcotics such as heroin.

The results are contained in the first Syringe Analysis Pilot Project which analysed drug users who interact with the Merchants Quay Ireland services in Dublin as well as the Midlands including Longford.

155 syringes in total were analysed including 27 from County Longford and over 85% or 123 syringes analysed contained both heroin and cocaine.

Cocaine was also found in 86.5% of syringes analysed in Dublin and 89.1% in the Midlands

Merchants Quay Ireland chief executive Paula Byrne says the information can be used to help to tailor more effective drug treatment programmes regionally.